Method for combining data signals and video signals for transmission to video display units

ABSTRACT

A method capable of combining data signals and video signals for transmission to a video display unit. The method comprises the steps of generating a data signal, transmitting the data signal to an apparatus, receiving the data signal at the apparatus, receiving a video/audio signal at the apparatus, combining the video/audio signal with the data signal to form a single combined signal, and displaying the combined signal on a video display unit.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/380,649, filed on Mar. 2, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,135,623 which isa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/649,657 filed onAug. 29, 2000, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,509,267.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is directed primarily towards multimedia, and moreparticularly, towards a business method for combining data signals andvideo signals for transmission to video display units. The methodpermits the combining of broadcast (or otherwise transmitted) videosignals with received data signals which comprise graphics andalphanumeric text, wherein the data signals may be unique for each videodisplay unit.

2. Background Art

Since the advent of video, televisions and other video displays havebecome commonplace in virtually every venue. For example, televisionsand video displays are commonly found in the home, office, airports,hotels, restaurants, and bars, to name just a few. Indeed, it isdifficult to find a place where televisions are inaccessible orotherwise not available.

Televisions are generally used for receiving and displaying broadcastsignals from such sources as terrestrial transmissions, cabletransmissions and/or satellite transmissions. Such transmissions aredisseminated to a wide number of televisions and to numerous geographicregions.

Most transmissions include advertising in the form of commercials.Typically, such commercials comprise 15 to 60 second spots betweenscenes of a show, innings of a baseball game, etc. These commercials aretransmitted to a generally wide audience of viewers. For example, atypical terrestrial broadcast in the Chicago area is disseminated toseveral million people. Thus, it is not possible to tailor commercialsfor each particular home, bar, and hotel within the geographic area.

Additionally, one of the most effective manners in which to provideinformation to individuals is by transmission over television. Indeed,at a broadcaster level, inclement weather conditions can be scrolledacross the bottom of a screen. However, such messages are disseminatedto the entire viewing public. As such, there is no manner in which, forexample, a tavern can advertise specials over television screens,especially without adversely affecting the ability to view the regularlytransmitted video signal.

Thus, it is an object of the invention to facilitate the combination ofa video signal with a data signal which may be transmitted to a videodisplay unit.

It is a further object of the invention to facilitate the transmissionof unique data signals for combination with video signals to individualvideo display units.

These and other objects will become evident in light of thespecification and the claims appended hereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a business method for combining data signals andvideo signals for transmission to a video display unit. In particular,the method comprises the steps of (a) generating a data signal; (b)transmitting the data signal to an apparatus; (c) receiving the datasignal at the apparatus and utilizing it to create textual and graphicimages; (d) receiving a video/audio signal at the apparatus; (e)combining the video/audio signal with the data signal to form a singlecombined signal; and (f) displaying the combined signal on a videodisplay unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of generating a data signalcomprises the step of generating a data signal on a remote computer. Inone such embodiment, the step of transmitting the data signal to anapparatus comprises the step of connecting the apparatus with a remotecomputer. In such an embodiment, the step of connecting includes the useof a modem.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of receiving the data signal furthercomprises the step of storing the data signal in the apparatus.

In another preferred embodiment, the step of combining comprises thestep of (a) resizing the video signal; (b) positioning the video signalalong a portion of the video display unit; and (c) positioning the datasignal so as to be separate from the video signal on the video displayunit.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the step of combining comprises thestep of (a) positioning the video signal along a portion of the videodisplay unit; and (b) positioning the data signal so as to overlie atleast a portion of the video display unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of transmitting comprises the stepof transmitting the combined signal to a plurality of video displayunits.

In another preferred embodiment, the video signal comprises one of thegroup consisting of terrestrial signals, cable signals, satellitesignals, local cameras, remote cameras, video tape recorders and/or DVDplayers.

The invention likewise comprises a method for individually transmittingdata signals to video display units. The method comprises the steps of(a) associating at least one apparatus with at least one video displayunit; (b) associating the at least one apparatus with a data source; (c)transmitting a data signal from the data source to the at least oneapparatus; and (d) transmitting a data signal from the at least oneapparatus to the at least one video display unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of (a)transmitting a video signal to the at least one apparatus; (b) combiningthe video signal with the data signal; and (c) transmitting the combinedvideo signal along with the step of transmitting the data signal fromthe at least one apparatus to the at least one video display unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of associating an apparatus with avideo display unit comprises the step of associating a plurality ofvideo display units with a single apparatus. In one such preferredembodiment, the step of transmitting a data signal from the data sourceto the at least one apparatus comprises the step of transmitting aunique data signal from the data source to each of the apparatuses. Inone such embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of (a)transmitting a video signal to each apparatus; (b) combining the videosignal with the data signal at each apparatus; and (c) transmitting thecombined video signal along with the step of transmitting the datasignal from each apparatus to the video display unit. Preferably, eachapparatus receives a single video signal or a unique video signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a schematic of the method of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 2 of the drawings is an elevational view of the display unit andsignal.

BEST MODE FOR PRACTICING THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described in detail,several specific embodiments with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principlesof the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to theembodiments illustrated.

The method for disseminating data images to video display units is shownschematically in FIG. 1 as comprising the steps of generating a datasignal 20, transmitting a data signal to an apparatus 22, receiving thedata signal 24, receiving a video/audio signal 26, combining thevideo/audio signals with the data signals 28 and displaying the combinedsignal on a desired display unit 30. Generally, the data will comprisesome type of advertisement or informative bulletin. However, the data isnot limited to any particular format or content. For example, the datamay comprise any 24 bit graphic images and/or 8 bit text. The broadcastsignal may comprise any one of a multitude of signals, including but notlimited to terrestrial signals, cable signals, satellite signals, localcameras, remote cameras, video tape recorders and/or DVD players. Itwill be understood that the video/audio signal and the data signal arenot limited to any particular type of signal type or signal source.

The particular apparatus for combining the signals is disclosed andclaimed in copending application entitled “INFORMATION PROCESSINGAPPARATUS”. In other embodiments, the apparatus may be combined withcable boxes, satellite dish boxes, set top boxes (i.e. those marketedunder the name WebTV), personal computers, as well as with televisionsets themselves. It is contemplated that each video display unit willhave its own apparatus for combining video/audio signals with datasignals, or that a single apparatus will control the video display unitsfor a particular locality (i.e. for a restaurant, bar, or airport,etc.). By associating an apparatus with a single video display unit oronly a couple of video display units, the data signals transmitted tothe video display units can be controlled on a display by display basis.In turn, the distribution of data signals can be well tailored to aspecific target audience with precision.

Once these apparatuses have been placed at the desired locations andassociated with video display units, the next step in the method is toobtain advertising or bulletin information from subscribers to thesystem from which the data signals can be generated. For example, anentity desirous of advertising to a predetermined audience can createadvertisements for eventual display on certain video display units. Itwill be understood that the data signal is not limited to any particulartype of information, i.e. advertisements, bulletins and/or otherinformation in the form of graphic images and/or text.

To generate an advertisement, the advertiser can contact the operator ofthe system which may include a staff of designers and marketers thatgenerate an electronic advertisement capable of display on a videodisplay unit. Alternatively, the advertiser may design its ownadvertisement on a computer (or have an outside entity design anadvertisement). This advertisement can then be uploaded to the systemservers. In another embodiment, the advertisement generating systemcomprises a web-based self-service system wherein the advertiser candesign its advertisement. In any event, the advertisement is placed ontoa computer and converted into data stored on the system server.

In addition to the generation of an advertisement, the advertiserindicates as to which apparatuses he wishes to receive the information.The advertisement can be directed to a single apparatus or to multipleapparatuses spread around any geographic area. The apparatuses can begrouped in various manners, including geographic, type of establishment,subscribers to a particular product, etc. Indeed, the various groupingsare limitless, since the apparatuses can be individually controlled. Forexample, a particular advertisement may comprise an advertisement for analcoholic product. The advertisement can be directed to all videodisplay units that are associated with, for example, sports bars whichfeature the particular alcoholic product, or to a particular chain ofsports bars which are offering specials relative to the alcoholicproduct.

Next, the advertisements must be transmitted to the individual targetedapparatuses. In one embodiment of the invention, the system server isassociated with the Internet, and each apparatus includes a modem andappropriate hardware and software for connecting with the system serverover the Internet and downloading the appropriate data which correspondsto the advertisements which are to be displayed on video display unit.The apparatus can be preset to connect to the system server through theInternet at predetermined times. In other embodiments, the apparatus maybe continuously connected to the Internet (DSL, dial-up or CableInternet connection) and capable of continuously receiving data signals.In another embodiment, the system server may be reached directly bymodem, instead of through the Internet.

In another embodiment, the system server can be associated with a localcomputer either directly or over the Internet. In such an embodiment,the local computer receives data from the system server for localapparatuses. Subsequently, the data is transferred to the apparatus viaany one of a variety of means (serial ports, parallel ports, IRDA, USB,etc.). Of course, various other embodiments are likewise contemplated.For example, a service man can upload information to the apparatus atpredetermined intervals by traveling from location to location andconnecting a device directly to each apparatus. Generally, the datacomprises a low bandwidth format such as Flash sold by Macromedia. Ofcourse, other formats are likewise contemplated.

Once the data is transferred to the apparatus, the apparatus processesthe data into images and text (i.e., decodes the signal receivedlocally, or otherwise processes a coded or decoded signal). In certainembodiments, the apparatus decodes the data signal, which decodingresults in the creation and manipulation of text and graphics. Thecopending application discusses in detail the manner in whichvideo/audio signals can be combined with data signals. In addition tothe images and the text, the data signal may include information as towhen the data signal is to be combined with the video/audio image fortransmission to the video display unit. For example, the data signal maybe configured so as to be transmitted as part of a combined video/audioand data signal every 20 minutes, or every hour, or, in certaininstances continuously. In other embodiments, the apparatus can locallyschedule the display of information received from the data signal.

Thus, at the specified predetermined times, as generally scheduled bythe apparatus locally, the images and text are then combined with thevideo signal received by the apparatus. As explained above, such avideo/audio signal is transmitted to the apparatus from any one of anumber of sources. Once combined, this combined signal is transmitted tothe video display unit associated with the particular apparatus. Incertain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus can combine thesignals in such a manner that the video image is reduced so that itoccupies only a portion of the screen, and, in turn, the images and text(data signal) are projected onto the remaining portion of the screen. Inother embodiments, the images and text can be positioned so as tooverlie a portion of the video display. Indeed, any combination of thevideo/audio signal and the data signal is contemplated, and the methodis not limited to any particular configuration. As will be understood,while not required, it is advantageous to combined the video/audiosignal and the data signal in such a manner so as not to disrupt thevideo/audio signal.

While the system is contemplated to include advertisements, bulletinsand information It is likewise contemplated that the system can beadapted as download speeds increase, processor speeds increase and/orcompression algorithms improve to receive larger quantities of datasignals, such as data signals corresponding to full stream video. Insuch an embodiment, the apparatus can be programmed to display only thevideo generated from the data signal. In turn, the apparatus can beutilized to create a broadcast network that relies on data signals only.At other times, it will be understood that the combined signal willcomprise only a video signal, and no data signal component.

The operation of the system will be described in the environment of anairport, with the understanding that it is not limited to such anenvironment. Generally, an airport includes a multitude of video displayunits which televise such programs as CNN Airport Network. Theprogramming is transmitted continuously to all of the televisions. Inaccordance with the invention, each video display unit is associatedwith an apparatus capable of combining video/audio signals. For example,the video display units in a particular terminal or corridor of gatesmay be associated with a single apparatus. Conversely, each videodisplay unit may be associated with a single apparatus.

Possible advertisers on the system may include restaurants, taverns,newsstands and shops in the airport, as well as hotels, rental caragencies and other ground transportation providers, just to name a few.These advertisers contact the coordinator of the system and anadvertisement for the particular advertiser is created and stored on thesystem server. Subsequently, information is entered regarding theapparatuses which are to receive the advertisement. For example, theadvertisement may be directed only to those video display units whichare in a particular corridor or a particular terminal.

Once the advertisement and dissemination information are stored in thesystem server, the advertisement is ready for transmission to the videodisplay units. The individual apparatuses in the airport may be hardwired to a local central computer which is, in turn, connected to thesystem server. Once the connection is established, the local centralcomputer downloads the information from the system server, from wherethe information is transferred to the individual apparatuses. Oncestored in the apparatus, the data signal is combined with thevideo/audio signal (in this case the CNN Airport Network) and thecombined signal is output to the video display unit. As explained above,various methods of combining the two signals is contemplated so that theinformation from both signals appears on the video display unit.

The system can likewise be associated with an airport warning systemwhich can transmit data signals which comprise emergency warnings andinstructions to each apparatus in the event of an emergency at theairport.

The system is equally applicable in a tavern setting. For example, whatare termed “sports bars” generally include a plurality of video displayunits which broadcast various sporting events from around the world.Each such video display can be equipped with an apparatus of the typeidentified above. The bar owner can, for example, create advertisementsfor evening specials and upcoming special events at the sports bar.These advertisements can be saved as a data signal on a local computer.The local computer can be associated with the apparatus, such that thesignal can be transmitted to the apparatus. At a predetermined time, theapparatus can combine this data signal and the video signal into asingle combined signal for output to the video display units in thesports bar. In addition, certain advertisers (i.e. alcoholic beverage ortobacco manufacturers/suppliers) can pay the owner of the sports bar andthe provider of the apparatus a fee for advertising on the video displayunits.

The above-identified examples are only for purposes of illustration, andthe system and method are not limited for use in solely theseenvironments. Indeed, the usefulness of the system and the method lieswith the fact that the apparatuses are provided for individual videodisplay units. Thus, each individual video display unit (or a designatedgroup of display units) can receive individual instructions, so that,for example, each video display unit can display a different data signalregardless of the video signal that is received and regardless of thegeographic location of the video display unit. This is advantageousbecause advertisements, bulletins and other information that comprisesthe data signal can be disseminated on a video display by video displaybasis.

Another advantage of the system and the method is that the data signalgenerally does not disrupt the video/audio signal. Thus, theadvertisements and other information which are included in the datasignal can be displayed concurrently with the video/audio signal,thereby allowing patrons to view the information from the data signalwithout interfering with the program or video/audio signal that viewersare watching.

The method of payment for the advertising can be administered in manyfashions. Payment can be derived from advertisers on a per video displaybasis, users of the apparatus can be paid a fee for acceptingadvertisements over the apparatus, owners of establishments can beprovided with apparatuses for free or for a cost upon the signing of anadvertising contract. Indeed, the invention is quite capable ofgenerating revenue from both operators and advertisers, and is notlimited to any particular method of payment or revenue generation.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the inventionand the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appendedclaims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have thedisclosure before them will be able to make modifications withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for simultaneously displaying data and aseparate video signal on a video display, the method comprising:identifying on a server one or more physical locations at which todisplay certain data; sending a file with said data from the server toeach of one or more apparatuses at each of the identified physicallocations; receiving at each of said apparatuses the file with saiddata; receiving at each of said apparatuses a video signal, wherein thevideo signal is separate from said data and comprises video for display;combining on each of said apparatuses at each of the identified physicallocations said data with the video signal to form a single combinedsignal with said data and the video; and using the single combinedsignal to simultaneously display said data and the video on a videodisplay at each of the identified physical locations.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the physical locations are identified based, at leastin part, on geographic area or type of establishment.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the apparatus is a television.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the apparatus is a set-top box coupled to a television thatsimultaneously displays said data with the video.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein apparatus is a computer coupled to a television thatsimultaneously displays said data with the video.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein: the apparatus is coupled to a set-top box and a television;the apparatus is operatively coupled via a network to the server; andthe apparatus receives said data from the server, receives the videosignal from the set-top box, and outputs the single combined signal withthe video and said data to the television.
 7. The method of claim 2,wherein the combining step comprises: allocating the video to only aportion of the video display; and positioning said data so as to bedisplayed adjacent, but not overlying, the video.
 8. The method of claim7, further comprising resizing the video.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the combining step comprises positioning said data to overlie atleast a portion of the video on the video display.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the video signal is an entertainment programmingsignal.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the video signal is receivedfrom a TV programming provider.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein theapparatus receives schedule instructions for said data from the serverand schedules the display of said data in accordance with the scheduleinstructions.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said data is combinedwith the video data only when said data is scheduled for display.
 14. Anon-transitory machine-readable medium having program instructions,which when executed perform a method for simultaneously displaying dataand a separate video signal on a video display, the method comprising:identifying on a server one or more physical locations at which todisplay certain data; sending a file with said data from the server toeach of one or more apparatuses at each of the identified physicallocations; receiving at each of said apparatuses the file with saiddata; receiving at each of said apparatuses a video signal, wherein thevideo signal is separate from said data and comprises video for display;combining on each of said apparatuses at each of the identified physicallocations said data with the video signal to form a single combinedsignal with said data and the video; and using the single combinedsignal to simultaneously display said data and the video on a videodisplay at each of the identified physical locations.
 15. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the physicallocations are identified based, at least in part, on geographic area ortype of establishment.
 16. The non-transitory machine-readable medium ofclaim 14, wherein the apparatus is a television.
 17. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is a set-topbox coupled to a television that simultaneously displays said data withthe video.
 18. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 14,wherein apparatus is a computer coupled to a television thatsimultaneously displays said data with the video.
 19. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein: the apparatus is coupledto a set-top box and a television; the apparatus is operatively coupledvia a network to the server; and the apparatus receives said data fromthe server, receives the video signal from the set-top box, and outputsthe single combined signal with the video and said data to thetelevision.
 20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15,wherein the combining step comprises: allocating the video to only aportion of the video display; and positioning said data so as to bedisplayed adjacent, but not overlying, the video.
 21. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 20, further comprising resizing thevideo.
 22. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 14,wherein the combining step comprises positioning said data to overlie atleast a portion of the video on the video display.
 23. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the videosignal is an entertainment programming signal.
 24. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the video signal isreceived from a TV programming provider.
 25. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the apparatus receivesschedule instructions for said data from the server and schedules thedisplay of said data in accordance with the schedule instructions. 26.The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 25, wherein saiddata is combined with the video data only when said data is scheduledfor display.